Brothers and sisters:
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call…
for us who believe…
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

St. Paul’s letter to the Church of Ephesus begins with the salutation to the saints (the holy ones who may be struggling) who are faithful to Jesus: Grace and peace to you! Isn’t God awesome? He blesses us with every spiritual blessing!

We are in this family together! We who believe in the one who loves us. Jesus ascended into heaven and sent us the Spirit. What struck me most in this reading was that Paul’s wish for the holy ones of Ephesus was a gift of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Spirit is capital in the Mass Readings so I went on a Bible search (I have numerous versions) to see if this Spirit means Holy Spirit or the breath of life we all have. It’s probably all meant to be the same idea though. The Holy Spirit breathes life into every moment of every day. And the energy or the buoyancy we feel can depend on how open we are to this transcending peace it brings.

Every day I try to keep my eyes open to the message or people that God sends my way. The more I focus on myself and my problems the farther I fall. Keeping my eyes open reminds me that there is hope. I may be the one that God sends to bring hope to someone else!

I am a flawed human being that needs the reassurance that God is ever-present and working in my life. Even if I know this intellectually, I may not feel or see the evidence. Problems and stress, whether physical or medical, can easily zap my hope and peace. Emotionally and spiritually, the Spirit can bring life to my existence. It’s like a helium balloon. The Holy Spirit is my helium. Sometimes, I need a refill!

Lately, I have been preparing for a health & wellness talk in June. My chronic pain can distract me from feeling peace and hope. It takes a conscious effort to be happy and have a positive mental attitude. It takes work like any other part of our life. I have to allow myself time to breathe. So for my health, both spiritually and physically, I am concentrating on taking moments for deep, cleansing breaths. This Scripture reminded me to remember that with God all things are possible! So I will take 5 deep and cleansing breaths whenever I feel like I need it and even when I don’t! Then I will keep my eyes on Christ so I don’t sink! Mt 14:22-33.

My prayer for you: May you know the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may know Christ and let hope float today!

Reading 2 celebrating the Feast of the Ascension EPH 1:17-23

Photo adapted from Freepik.com